Build a sequence with causes and consequences
Organize historical knowledge around transitions in political authority, economic activity and relations with other societies. A useful timeline records not only when an event occurred but what changed because of it. Separate an institution's creation, a law's promulgation and a treaty's entry into force; these can have different dates. In Japanese history, connect land systems and taxation with the groups that controlled production and political power. For modern history, distinguish opening diplomatic relations, revising unequal treaties, industrialization and constitutional change. In world history, connect industrial development with overseas expansion, and distinguish the settlements following the two world wars. A historical source should be read in its own setting: identify the speaker, audience, purpose and the information that the source cannot establish. An invented teaching dialogue is not a genuine historical document. When choosing an answer, reject anachronisms by locating each option on the timeline, then explain the relationship that makes the correct choice more than a recalled date.